KARACHI, Nov 13: The monitoring, evaluation and mitigation measures on account of a seismic survey being carried out by Premier Exploration Pakistan Limited (PEPL) in Kirthar National Park and adjoining protected areas was reviewed at a meeting held under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Environment and Local Government Omar Asghar Khan here on Monday.
The Hagler Bailly (Pakistan), the Independent Monitoring Consultant (IMC) appointed by PEPL, gave a briefing on the occasion starting with the photographic view of the Kirthar National Park and various equipment being used in carrying out the seismic survey.
Discussions were mainly on the effects of the seismic survey disturbance to wildlife, conservation of flora and maintenance of the water balance in the area.
It was shown that there was some movement of the animals within their home range, which may partly be attributed to the project disturbance and partly due to natural reasons on account of availability of fodder after the recent rains. The area had been under extreme drought conditions for the last five/six years.
It was stated that possible measures be taken to avoid any permanent disturbance or dislocation of the wildlife.
PEPL assured that all possible measures would be taken to mitigate any adverse environmental impact as laid down in the approval of the environmental impact assessment and the environmental management plan.
The Secretary, Forest and Wildlife, Shamsul Huq Memon, said a monitoring committee had been constituted to oversee the environmental compliance of the operations and effects of the monitoring committee comprising the Sindh Wildlife and Sindh EPA staff.
As decided, the IMC will give a monthly presentation of the monitoring activities, which will be reviewed by the secretary for forest and wildlife and the committee.
Omar Asghar Khan appreciated that a transparent monitoring mechanism was in place. He said he would visit the area soon and see the problems of concern, if any, and ensure their redress
However, he said, a park sub-committee under the board would be established soon to further strengthen the management of the park.
The forests secretary stated that spadework in this regard was already in progress and the sub-committee would be constituted soon.
The participants of the meeting emphasised the need for the establishment of a trust fund, a percentage of which would be raised from the income of oil exploration and to be spent on the uplift of the area and promotion of socio-economic activities.
Shamsul Huq Memon said stake holders in the area should not have any concern with regard to the drilling process as the government had repeatedly assured that there would be no environmental disturbance. — APP